Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Best local places to eat in Russellville, Arkansas

Purple Star emoji 17 items
Are you visiting the Russellville/Dardanelle Arkansas area and want some recommendations on great places to eat? Here are some suggestions for you for many different scenarios, whether business-related or just searching for some local flavor!  Are you Nuclear Nomad visiting ANO? Here is some of the best Russellville has to offer. (We are a Nuke family too!)
Map
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Taking some business contacts out for lunch or dinner? Celebrating a special occasion? Pasta Grill is hands down the best restaurant in town. Don't let the name fool you, it's not really an Italian place, it is a specialty pasta place with an AMAZING... My other half loves the Southern-Most Pasta which has a Cajun spin with andouille sausage and crawfish!

Free garlic bread and marinara at the table. The white cheddar dill soup is to DIE for! Save some bread to dip in the soup! Most all of their salad dressings are made there with one of the owner's recipes.  My favorite dressing is the cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Try it on the summer salad.  Save room for dessert! The strawberry cake, lemon tart, and tiramisu are all large enough to share with 4-6 people!

The great thing about Pasta Grille is that it always has consistent food quality and after hundreds of visits, we have never had a bad experience there. Reservations recommended on weekends or during special event days. Calling ahead a few hours is a... Closed Mondays.
Pasta Grill Restaurant
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
This restaurant is absolutely the local's choice when it comes to home cooking.  Originally located on Main Street, their historic diner, which had fed two presidents and Elvis himself, unfortunately burned down a few years ago.  They re-opened in a much larger location and still fill it up on a daily basis.

This is a must-stop for a good homestyle breakfast! Very budget-friendly and always good! 

Open for breakfast lunch and dinner Tuesday - Saturday.  Be prepared for a wait on Saturdays at breakfast.
Old South Restaurant
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
This is an under-appreciated gem! If you love some Greek-style food, this is your place. Start yourself off with some house-made hummus with warm pita.

The falafel is some of the best I have had, shaped into a crispy ball shape, it is an awesome go-to side item with whatever you choose for your meal.  The Zuppa Toscana is phenomenal year around. We love their traditional lamb gyros as well.  The burgers are really highly regarded too, so if you have a picky eater that does not want the greek-inspired food, there is something great for them too.  The fries are the best in town!

You will not have a problem getting into this place any night of the week, it is definitely some of the better food in town, very under-appreciated!
Foodies Restaurant & Grill
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for the best wings in town? Look no further! I have had wings all over the country, and no one does them like this place!

The atmosphere is very hole-in-the-wall, but the food will knock your socks off! Start out with the fried okra or the cheese sticks and thank me later!  The Curious George fries are a fun meal for two which includes cut up boneless wings with your choice of sauce on the top.  

The wings…well, I prefer bone-in. My go-to is called the Elbiar which is a blend of three house-made sauces.  My other half loves the Cyclone Fever.  BUT TRUST ME - you NEED to try the peanut butter and jelly wings with strawberry jelly.  I know it sounds strange, but it is SOOOO Good! I would never have even tried it, but once I did, I have been going back for them every time!

They do have a full bar here, and also have some entertaining video games on one side, so there is something to do for the tweens/teens while you wait for your food.
Daddy's Smackin Wings And Things
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Another great place to order pizza or for some good stick-to-your-ribs Italian, La Villa is your place. 

You start off with some bread and oil/vinegar/sun-dried tomato dip. Don't fill up too much on that awesome bread because their portions are HUGE! Share a portion, or take it back with you to heat up.  If you are looking for Italian, this is the place to go.  They are seldom booked, you can usually walk right in unless there has been a special event at Arkansas Tech.
La Villa
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Nonna Bella's is the second of my choices for the “most fancy” restaurant in Russellville. This is a smaller place, but don't let the small size fool you. The atmosphere is very old-school Italian and the cozy space is perfect for entertaining client... 

 Start off with the Toasted Ravioli with marinara, it is so perfectly crispy and really flavorful.  They have a really great wood-fired crust on their pizzas, so that is their specialty, and have many great options to choose from (they even have take-and-bake pizza!)  I highly recommend the Massimo or the Nonna Bella (hold the mushrooms for me!) For pasta, I recommend the Veal Parmigiani, it is cooked to perfection!  

Their cherry streussel pizza dessert is really great…if you have any room left!  Nonna Bella's is really such a great intimate atmosphere, you will love it!
Nonna Bella’s Pizzeria
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for a great sandwich? A quick business lunch?  Stoby's is a local staple with a large menu, there is something for everyone!  Located near the train depot, part of the restaurant is in a rail car.  A model train circles above the main dining area which is a big hit with kiddos.

Start out with their cheese dip! Either the yellow and the white are a great start to your meal.  The menu is vast, but my favorite is their reuben or their chicken salad wrap.  

They should not be overlooked for breakfast either, big fluffy pancakes, nice crispy bacon are the big sellers.  

Stoby's has been around forever for a reason. Stop in for a great sandwich and ring the train whistle on the way out!
Stoby's Restaurant
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Is a nice ladies lunch what you are looking for? This place is perfect for that!  

Soups, salads, and sandwiches are their specialty.  The monte cristo is amazing! Fresh brewed tea and lemonade are perfect to go with that nice light sandwich or salad. 

Have always had very quick service and no wait at this wonderful little gem. You will love it!
Wildflower Cafe
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for one of the best burgers in town? CJ's definitely foots the bill!

They fresh grind steak down daily to make their delicious griddle top burgers.  Hand-cut fries are delicious and compliment the burger perfectly.  I love having mine with pickles, mayo, mustard, and grilled onions.  

You will love the 50's diner theme. This place is right on the corner of Arkansas Avenue (highway 7) and I-40 so if you are just driving through on Scenic 7 or on I-40 this is super-convenient!
CJ's Butcher Boy Burgers
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
The Old Bank is built inside a historic building in the downtown area of Russellville. This has been through two previous owners, however this current ownership is the best by far and has really upped the ante on the menu for food quality!

Upstairs, there is a full bar and each night of the week has a theme, whether it be trivia, bingo, karaoke, or live music, there is something fun going on in the upstairs area!

Downstairs, there is a full bar and a large restaurant which keeps the historic brick-walled, tin-ceiling charm of the early 1900s era.  

Do you love chicken strips?? Theirs are hand-battered and are HUGE and delicious! They serve them as chicken and waffles on Sunday. 

Sundays they have an awesome brunch menu, this is one of the very few “local” places where you can get breakfast on a Sunday. I highly recommend the burrito, smothered in cheese sauce, or the eggs benedict which has your choice of traditional canadia...

Next door, they have golf simulators, so if you are taking out people to entertain for business, this is a GREAT way to break the ice!  Call ahead for reservations for Golf, but the regular restaurant rarely requires a reservation.
The Old Bank
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for pizza and suds? Brick oven is a popular place with a wide variety of pizzas on the menu.  Order a personal size all the way up to an XL. Customize your pizza the way you like or choose from their awesome menu.  Their calzones are also really great.  Family atmosphere so you don't feel bad if you have some louder littles with you.  

My favorite way to order pizza: pineapple, pepperoni, bbq sauce, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos.  It's so good!
La Torcia Brick Oven Pizza - Russellville
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for the best BBQ in town? Ridgewood Brothers is definitely that. 

From their mouth-watering Texas-style brisket to their fall-off-the-bone ribs, you will be thrilled with their BBQ options.  Some days they have bacon burnt ends that are SO delicious! Get them before they sell out! This started as a BBQ truck which evolved into a brick-and-mortar location. 

Save room for dessert! The key lime pie or the banana pudding are served in a paper boat and will not disappoint you!
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
While it does not get my vote for the best BBQ in town, it definitely is a great place to visit in downtown. The upbeat atmosphere and the varied menu make this a place to take people who might not want “just BBQ”.  So many options! We love the BBQ burrito, and their steaks are really awesome too!  BBQ nachos are our favorite appetizer.  Be sure to try their onion rings or their cheesy taters as a side! Full Bar is available for those who like some suds with their BBQ. Great place to entertain, they do have an outdoor patio if you want a little more privacy.
Fat Daddy's Bar-B-Que
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for a decent steak without the steakhouse price?  Brangus is your answer!  Brangus is locally-owned and has a bit of an old-west theme.  They start you off (if yoy wish) with a free bucket of shell-on peanuts to eat while you wait.  Looking for something light? The salad with grilled chicken is a really good portion size! They offer a half-size at lunch time.  Steaks are grilled to perfection and are really budget concious.  Fried okra is the favorite side item of locals, it is crispy perfection!  Chicken fried steak is also a great option they offer.  No reservations required, and there is seldom a wait, so just walk on in!
Brangus Steakhouse
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Looking for Mexican fare? Toro's is absolutely the best in town. Fresh ingredients make all of the difference. 

Fast, friendly service and a good, varied menu make every visit enjoyable.  Try the Cyclone or the Molcajete while you are there.  Chips and queso are top-notch as well.
Toro's mexican grill
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Searching for the best Chinese-style food in town?  Wind Taste is your answer.  This small mom-and-pop restaurant cooks your meal to order.  Do not be lured by the local buffets, this place gives you large portions but MUCH better fresh-cooked quality.

GREAT lunch specials if you are wanting to stop by for lunch. I highly recommend the Hot and Spicy Shredded Beef or their Mongolian Beef if you are wanting Beef.  If Chicken is what you are searching for, their Honey Chicken is amazing!  

Don't let the small size of this restaurant fool you, they do a lot of takeout. We love dining in there, however.  Always friendly service.
Wind Taste
 
Brooke Brewer profile picture
Craving a bowl of Pho? You will be head over heels at Linh's Vietnamese Cuisine.  They have so many soups to choose from, we seldom order anything but their GIANT bowls of Pho!  I have never been able to eat it all, so we take it home and reheat the next day. I highly recommend the meatball pho.  

They also have a fantastic Banh Mi sandwich which always hits the spot. My other half loves the Hot Pot.  They also offer curry dishes, however I can't speak to that, a few friends LOVE their curry.  

You will not leave hungry, their portions are very ample. They have a small grocery store within the restaurant if you want to pick up a few items as well.
Linh Vietnamese Cuisine